Family receives body of inmate killed in violent Kailali prison riot after officials promise pobe and support for daughter

Dhangadhi: Relatives of 37-year-old Bharat Chaudhary of Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City-4 have received his body four days after he was killed in a violent attack inside the Kailali District Prison.

The family had refused to accept the body until their demands were addressed. In a meeting with Chief District Officer Gogan Hamal at the District Administration Office, Kailali, the family insisted that the inmates involved in the murder be identified and brought to justice, and that the government ensure free education for Chaudhary’s 15-year-old daughter, who is currently studying in the 8th grade.

According to the deceased’s brother, Vijay Chaudhary, the body was released after Chief District Officer Hamal agreed to address those demands. The family has also filed a complaint with the District Police Office. Bal Narsingh Rana, Chief Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Kailali, confirmed that a complaint has been registered and that the investigation is progressing; he added that the relatives were prepared to receive the body after registration of the complaint.

Chaudhary, who was serving a six-month sentence on a drug charge, was killed during a clash between inmates. Authorities said a group of prisoners in the male ‘A’ block broke through a wall and attacked 49 inmates in the ‘B’ block, including Chaudhary. He was taken to Seti Provincial Hospital at night and was declared dead by doctors.

The Sudurpaschim Provincial Government has announced compensation of Rs 500,000 for the family. During the discussion with the family, Hamal pledged support for the deceased’s daughter’s education, saying, “The Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City has said that it will make arrangements for the deceased’s daughter to be educated free of charge. As the Chief District Officer, I will also take the initiative. Various organizations are cooperating.” He added, “We will identify the prisoners who beat him to death and take action according to the law.”

A five-member committee, led by Assistant Chief District Officer Kiran Joshi, has been formed to investigate the incident. The committee also includes Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajkumar Singh of the Nepal Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police Janakraj Pant of the Armed Police Force, Investigation Officer Dipendra Singh, and Administrative Officer of the District Administration Office Shivaraj Joshi. The committee has been given 10 days to complete its inquiry.

Officials said that following the Friday incident, prisoners did not allow anyone to enter the affected area for 40 hours. In the presence of the Human Rights Commission, the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force entered the site after that period and conducted a count of inmates. The local administration has stated that the situation at Kailali District Prison is now gradually returning to normal.